KR100361237B1 - Apparatus and method for extruding a polymer frame onto a plate product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the process of manufacturing automobile glass (1) with a polymer frame (52) located on the edge of the pane (1). The frame 52 is extruded onto the pane 1, which can be moved using an appropriate support in such a way that the edge of the pane moves through the recesses of the extrusion heads 25, 40. The recess of the extrusion head 40 preferably comprises a U-shaped jaw 41 which is straddling over the edge of the pane. At the front ends of the two half jaws of the U-shaped jaw 41, there are arranged sealing crossbars or shoes 42, 43 that support the surface of the pane during extrusion and are movable perpendicular to the pane face. Alternatively, the extrusion head may include a fixing jaw that is slidably and sealingly contacted with the sealing crossbar or the sugar plate.

Description

Apparatus and method for extruding a polymer frame onto a plate product

Technical field

The present invention relates to a device for extruding a profiled cord consisting of polymer mainly on the periphery of a plate-shaped product, in particular on the main surface of the pane. The apparatus includes an extrusion head that is relatively moved along the edge of the plate where it deposits a profiled strip of polymer at the exit from the calibrated nozzle. The present invention more particularly relates to the case where the plate is moved while the mobility of the extrusion head is reduced so that it is generally held in a fixed position.

Background of the Invention

It is known in the art to use a variety of devices for installing profiled frames in the periphery of window panes, such as automotive glazings. These devices comprise elements which support and move the panes on which the profiled frames are to be installed, relative to the relative movement between the panes and the extrusion head along the edges of the panes made for positioning the frame on the peripheral edges of the panes. . Relative movement along the edge occurs by displacing either the extrusion head or the pane, for example by a robot. Either way, the head receives fluid polymer from the reservoir. When the head moves relative to the pane, the supply of polymer is connected to the head by a flexible pipe that is accompanied by movement of the head or connected to a fixed distributor. The movement of the edge of the pane relative to the fixed extrusion head is described in European patent applications EP-0 585 129 and EP-493 068. Many documents describe the technique of extruding a polymer frame around a plate, among which are European patent applications EP-A-121 481 and EP-A-524 092.

The thickness error of the pane is not negligible and therefore it is necessary for the extrusion head of the type described above to accommodate the thickest (ie the upper limit of the error in thickness) pane of a given form. However, for all panes of lower thickness, the fluidic polymer may exit through slots that remain free between the wall surface of the extrusion head and the pane surface during extrusion. Therefore, deposits remain after extrusion, which must be removed as a supplementary step in the manufacturing process.

It is difficult to accurately position the polymer frame at the edge of the pane because the error in the automotive glass is not precisely controlled by the pane manufacturer. To solve this problem, U. S. Patent No. 5,183, 612 describes placing a polymer frame on imitation windshield with controlled dimensions. After the frame has cured, it is removed from the dummy windshield and then placed in the windshield. The polymer frame must also be bonded to the glass pane after it is placed there. This process not only leads to cumbersome and duplex operation but also causes problems with handling and storage of the cured polymer frame.

Another difficulty with the prior art is that a secure seal against the pane is not always achieved. Therefore, the polymer can escape from between the seal and the glass surface. Moreover, if the seal between the die head and the glass window is made too strong, the movement between the die head and the glass window becomes difficult. The present invention solves these problems in a simple and efficient manner.

The gist of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for making a polymer frame of a predetermined shape in a plate having an upper and lower main surface and a peripheral edge. The apparatus furthermore comprises an extrusion die having a body forming a plate receiving recess for receiving the edge of the plate and a portion of the main surface adjacent thereto, and a retracted position and a first position which allows entry and exit of the plate edge into the recess. A first sealing crosspiece movable between engagement positions in contact with one of the major faces of the plate in two positions, and means for moving the plate relative to the extrusion die. Wherein the open area is defined between the die body and the sealing crossbar and the plate in the shape of a polymer frame, the means for movement of the plate through the recess to receive a polymer frame of a predetermined shape on one of the major faces of the plate and on the edge. Advance the edge.

This embodiment also includes means for moving the first sealing crossbar between the retracted and engaged position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the plate. The moving means preferably comprises spring means for biasing the first sealing rung towards the engaged position and rod means for returning the first sealing rung to the retracted position. The recess may comprise a first surface spaced apart from the plate and a second surface in contact with the plate on the opposite side at the joining position and contacting the plate over the surface, so that the polymer frame is one major part of the plate. It is provided at a portion of the face and at the edge. Alternatively, the apparatus may also include a second sealing rung that is movable between the retracted position, which is the first position allowing entry and exit of the plate edge into the recess, and the engagement position, which is the second position, in contact with the other major surface of the plate. . The recesses here may comprise first and second surfaces spaced apart from the plates, such that the polymer frame is provided on the edges and portions of each major face of the plates.

Advantageously, the recess in contact with the plate and the portion of the first sealing rung includes a layer of elastic material thereon to facilitate sliding in the plate. In addition, one or both of the sealing crossbars may include an arcuate surface that assists in the formation of an arcuate portion in the polymer frame. The apparatus may also include a support wheel that compensates for the shape tolerances of the plate and moves along the surface of the plate.

Another embodiment according to the present invention is directed to an apparatus for making a polymer frame of a predetermined shape in a plate having an upper and lower main surface and a peripheral edge. The apparatus further includes an extrusion die having an integral body defining a plate receiving recess for receiving an edge of the plate and a portion of the major face adjacent thereto. The plate receiving recess includes first and second sealing crossbars that slidably engage the major face of the plate. The open area is defined between the die body, sealing crossbar and plate in the shape of a polymer frame, the sealing crossbar seals the recess and facilitates sliding movement between the die body and the main surface. The apparatus also includes means for providing relative movement between the die and the plate, so that the edge of the plate advances through the recess to receive a polymer frame of a predetermined shape at the edge and at least one of the major faces of the plate.

In this embodiment, the portion of the sealing crosspiece in contact with the plate includes a layer of elastic material thereon, such as a thermoplastic, elastic or thermoplastic coated elastic foam, to facilitate sliding. The elastic material has means for releasably securing the layer of elastic material to the sealing rung to facilitate exchange of the layers. The releasable fixing means preferably comprises a backing member for the elastic material. This backing member preferably comprises a rib member for engaging the corresponding slot of the sealing crosspiece. Advantageously, the backing member is made of an engineering thermoplastic with sufficient rigidity to hold the rib member in the slot, and the elastic material is secured to the backing member by a suitable adhesive. The extrusion die may also include two channels for supplying the polymer to the open zone and means for independently controlling the flow of the polymer in each channel to facilitate extruding the polymer onto the plate through the open zone. .

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a polymer frame of a predetermined shape on a plate having upper and lower major surfaces and peripheral edges. The method involves placing an extrusion die at the base of the plate edge, the extrusion die into which the body and plate edge enter the recess defining a plate receiving recess for receiving the edge of the plate and the portion of the major face adjacent thereto. It has a first sealing crosspiece that is movable between a retracted position, which is a first position allowing it, and a engagement position, which is a second position, in contact with one of the major faces of the plate. In addition, the process moves the first sealing crossbar into contact with at least one of the major faces of the plate, moving the plate edge through the recess and moving the plate edge through the recess to form a polymer frame thereon. The polymer is placed on at least one portion of the major face adjacent the plate edge through the open area of the die.

In this method, the polymer may be a moisture-curing reaction polymer deposited on the peripheral edge of the plate as it advances through the recess. The first sealing edge preferably moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major face of the plate and is biased toward the joining position, the method further comprising returning the first sealing crossbar to the retracted position after deposition of the polymer frame. The extrusion die may also include a second sealing crossbar movable between the retracted position, which is the first position that allows the plate edge to enter the recess, and the engagement position, which is the second position, in contact with the other one of the major faces of the plate. And the method may further include moving the second sealing rung to contact the other major face of the plate before the plate edge advances through the recess. Each sealing rung can be biased to the engaged position, and the method further includes returning each sealing rung to the retracted position after placement of the polymer frame.

The moisture cure reaction polymer preferably comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer composed of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene propylene diene rubber. In addition, the elastic material is suitably selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic foam, elastic foam and thermoplastic coated elastic foam.

Other features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following description and claims, which are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

It is an object of the present invention to make an extrusion head capable of extruding polymer around a plate, such as automotive glass, in order to make a profile that rests on at least one of the edge face of the pane and the main face of the pane. Regardless of the variation in the thickness of the glazing, the extrusion head should be suitably applied to the geometric arc to be made between the profile member and the face of the glazing.

The present invention proposes an apparatus for extruding a profiled cord made of polymer around a plate, in particular an automobile glass. The apparatus includes an extrusion head along the periphery of the plate relative to the edge surface bearing the upstream side while at least one half-jaw bears the major surface of the plate. The downstream wall of the extrusion head comprises an extrusion nozzle, the orifice of the extrusion nozzle being bound together with others by the surface of the plate and the edge surface of the plate, which is provided with support and movement system for the plate and The half jaw of the extrusion head supporting against the major face of the substrate includes a shoe movable vertically to the face of the plate, which presses the plate during extrusion.

In a variant of the invention, the extrusion head comprises a jaw consisting of one half jaw with a movable shoe and the other half jaw with a surface in contact with the face of the plate, the half jaw surface being a plate Extend continuously along the surface. In addition, the extrusion head comprises a jaw equipped with a shoe that is moveable perpendicularly to the plate surface whose half jaw presses the plate surface during extrusion, and preferably the surface of the extrusion head pressed against the surface of the plate is at the surface of the movable plate. An elastic member layer having good slip characteristics is provided.

The resilient member is preferably a foam with a surface of considerably low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding movement onto the glass as well as sufficient compressibility to allow insertion and removal of the windshield. It is preferred to consist of a neoprene foam comprising a Teflon coating on the outer surface in contact with the glass. Low friction coatings are not critical, as the consistently high performance foams provide sufficient surface properties to facilitate sliding of the glass. Therefore, other materials that can be treated with the foam can be used, for example polyurethanes, thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride or elastomers such as rubber. If desired, other fluoropolymers or nylons can be used as low friction coatings. The coating can be applied to the foam in any of a variety of conventional methods not described herein.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, the sealing crossbars seal the glazing whether the glazing is movable or fixed relative to the extrusion die. Equipped with a movable sliding side root or sealing crossbar allows for a fairly tight seal on the glazing during the extrusion of the polymer, but can also easily insert or remove the glazing before and after the polymer is extruded. The sealing rungs press the surface of the glass as the extrude head and the pane move relative to each other by a spring, but are moved by a jack when the pane is in place or removed so that the window moves freely through the jaws forming the extrusion head. Allow. In fact, while one side of the jaw is always in contact with the mating face of the pane, the other side can adjust the position of the extrusion head relative to the edge of the plate such that it includes a slip shoe. The purpose of the sliding shoe is to follow the surface during the relative longitudinal displacement of the extrusion head and the pane during extrusion and to release the passage at the beginning and at the end of the operation when the relative displacement occurs perpendicular to the edge of the pane.

The head of the type described above is mainly recommended when the cord to be extruded has an L profile that is continuous with the surface of the pane at one of the ends of the cross section. Such a code is desirable when, for example, automobile glass must be mounted to the front of the vehicle body for aerodynamic reasons. In this case, the extrusion head should be constructed such that the upstream wall of the head is in contact with the surface of the glazing as far as the edge and is radially continuous with respect to the main face of the glazing in the outward direction. The extrusion head may also be configured to obtain a frame that encircles or grasps the edge of the pane on three sides. The extruded frame may then be primarily of any cross section.

The description of the invention when the frame is placed on the pane, in particular automotive glass, by extrusion is as follows. However, the extrusion head of the present invention can produce plates or other plate-shaped products, such as frames or doors or structures with appropriate sealing.

The extrusion head according to the invention can in particular extrude thermoplastic polymers at the edges of various plates, in particular at the edges of the pane. As the thermoplastic polymer, for example, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene propylene-diene rubber can be used. In the use of thermoplastic polymers it is necessary to heat the glazing. For example, at a temperature of about 150 degrees, the thermoplastic polymer is melted in the extruder and fed directly to the extrusion head if the head is fixed, or, if the head is movable, by a pressure-resistant heating flexible tube. However, instead of the thermoplastic polymer, it is possible to use a reactive material such as a reactive material for the moisture cured polyurethane. In this case, the extruder is exchanged with a suitable pump, which supplies the material to be extruded to the extrusion head.

After the extrusion takes place around the entire windowpane, when the extrusion head and the windowpane return to their starting position, the volumetric flow of the polymer is stopped, the windowpane falls off the extrusion head and the framed windowpane is moved to the next working station. At the same time, another pane is moved to the extrusion site. The extrusion cycle then begins again.

The transition point between the beginning and the end of the extruded polymer cord inevitably has a deformed part because it displaces the pane radially at the end of the extrusion operation. Therefore, this transition point should be corrected in the next work. Correction of this transition can be carried out according to one of the processes constituting the task of EP 0 421 833 or EP 0 524 060, for example. The modification of the transition region is simple, especially when the thermoplastic polymer is extruded, since in this case it is only necessary to carry out the finishing pressing using a heated press tool.

1 shows that at the same level on one side of the pane, that is, on the side of the main face 21, the surface of the frame itself and the main face 21 are continuous and the other part has an L-shaped cross section. The basic structure of the extrusion head used in the case where the window frame 1 is provided with a polymer frame 20 which is in contact with the main surface 22 and the peripheral edge surface 23 of the window glass and which is securely fixed to the glass surface is shown. The method of operation of the extrusion head of FIG. 1 varies. These methods fall into two categories, one of which is that the pane is fixed and the extrusion head, which is moved by manual or robotic control, moves along the periphery of the pane or vice versa through the extrusion head where the pane cannot move slightly or at all. Is moved.

If the latter case is particularly relevant to the present invention and the glass is curved, some cases may occur.

The extrusion head is fixed and the pane is moved by the robot so that the edge at which extrusion is performed is in the right place and in the correct direction, and has a convex surface of curvature perpendicular to one wall of the jaw of the extrusion head.

The pane is translated relative to its plane without changing the orientation of the pane. The edge of the pane may move vertically to the extrusion head and the vertically movable head may pivot to maintain the jaw perpendicular to the edge of the pane. It is also possible to have an intermediate state in which the edge of the pane is linearly laterally displaced from the front of the head and rotated for correct orientation.

The extrusion head 25 has a jaw portion 26 having a U-shaped cross section, which extends in the direction of displacement in which the jaw portion engages the edge of the pane 1. The jaw portion 26 of the U-shape is defined at the lower side by the half jaw portion 27, the upper surface 28 of which is in contact with the main surface 21 of the window glass 1 during the extrusion operation. On the upper side, the jaw portion 26 of the extrusion head is defined by the half jaw portion 29.

On the downstream wall of the extrusion head, there is a calibrated orifice of the nozzle that determines the cross section of the extruded polymer cord. The U-shaped hole of the extrusion head is bounded by the wall surface 30 of the movable shoe 31. The shoe 31 is mounted to be movable in the vertical direction. Pneumatic or hydraulic jacks 33 may be used to lift by the rod 32. In the lower position, the shoe 31 is pressed against the surface 22 of the pane 1 by the helical spring 34 or by other means having the same effect. The bearing force exerted by the spring 34 must be adjusted so that the surface of the extrusion head 25 sliding on the two main surfaces of the pane 1 is well sealed. On the other hand, the supporting pressure should not be too large so that the frictional force does not become too high during the extrusion operation. If this supporting pressure is too large, it may interfere with the relative movement of the head and the pane on the one hand, and wear the sliding surface of the head on the other hand.

The jack 33 for operating the sealing shoe 31 is controlled by the central control unit. The sealing shoe 31 goes to the top position by the jack 33 when the extrusion head-window assembly 25 is moved from the standby position to the working position, and at the end of the extrusion operation, the extrusion head and the windowpane return to the standby position again. When separated from each other.

On each of the sliding surfaces of the extrusion head 25, that is, the surface 28 of the half jaw 27 and the lower surface of the shoe 31, linings 35 and 36 made of an elastic material having good sliding characteristics with respect to glass Is placed. These linings 35 and 36 serve to accommodate deviations in the curvature of the plate and facilitate sliding, thereby improving the sealing of the extrusion chamber at a portion of the surface of the pane. As mentioned above, teflon coated neoprene foams are advantageously used as these linings. Furthermore, these linings 35 and 36 are advantageously mounted so that they can be exchanged quickly if necessary. These linings can be removably mounted parallel to the edges on the pane, for example so that movement of the plate relative to the die does not move the mounted lining. In addition, these linings may be mounted to the extrusion die by fasteners that have entered into the surface of the lining so as not to contact the pane.

The extrusion head 40 shown in FIG. 2 is basically made in a manner similar to the head 25 described in connection with the first diagram, but the two half jaws 50, 51 defining the U-shaped jaws 41 are moved. It is distinguished by the fact that it has possible sealing shoes 42, 43. The sealing shoe or crosspieces 42 and 43 are also pressed against the two main surfaces of the window pane 1 by the spiral spring 44 in this case as well. Pneumatic or hydraulic jacks 45 and 46 take the sealing shoe to the final open position by rods 47 and 48 when the extrusion head is moved from the standby position to the working position on the edge of the pane, and at the end of the extrusion operation, The head 25 and the pane 1 are spaced apart from each other. Interchangeable linings 49 made of elastic material having good sliding properties for glass are also mounted on the sliding surfaces of the two sealing shoes 42, 43.

The extrusion head 40 is U-shaped in cross section, suitable for extrusion of the profiled cord 52 which fits around the edge of the pane and the periphery of the pane of the two main faces. 3 shows an extrusion head constructed on the principle described above in the working position, through which two or more conduits 57, 58 are fed the polymer to be extruded, the calibrated orifice of the nozzle 56 of the extrusion head. The polymer flow rate in each of the conduits can be individually adjusted by a suitable throttle device installed in the conduit or pipe that supplies the polymer. Therefore, if the cross section of the profile 60 of the frame is not symmetric, as in the illustrated case, and consequently a larger amount of material is needed in one part of the orifice of the die than the other part, then the cross section of the orifice 56 of the extrusion head Different volume flow rates can be supplied at different parts of the. In addition, it is good to weigh the material that makes up the inner and outer portions of the profile at different flow rates when making a curve of the extruded profile at the edge of the plate, in particular of the glazing.

3 also shows a support wheel 62 mounted by a support 63 on the extrusion head supporting the nozzle 55. This support wheel 62 serves to compensate for the shape error of the pane 1 in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the pane, in particular the curved pane. For this purpose, the extrusion head is mounted so as to be able to move several millimeters in the vertical direction, and in this way compensation of the tolerances is made by the support wheel 62.

4 illustrates a robot that can be used to move the edge of the windshield past the extrusion head. In FIG. 4, the swivel member 67 of the robot is moved, and the axes 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 88, 90 and the arms 74, 75, 78, 80, 93 are moved forward. A robot is shown having a support member 66 fixed to the floor, including conventional means for rotating in reverse direction. The panel suction unit 86 is attached to the arm 80 by a mounting member 85 and four suction cups 94 used to support the pane 1 through four orthogonal arms 93. It is used to provide suction power. The support arm 92 rotates the plate using the shaft 90 through the mouse 41 of the relatively fixed extrusion head 25, and the extrusion head itself is attached to the support 65. Such robots are generally known and a detailed description does not appear to be necessary here. Such robots are known, but the extrusion head of the present invention is novel, which is capable of depositing a uniform and acceptable profiled frame on the glass surface of the pane.

However, it is also possible to use extrusion dies with rigidly positioned sealing crossbars. This assumes that the glass plate with the polymer frame has a very small thickness tolerance and that the inner dimensions of the die mouth match the thickness dimension of the glass plate very accurately. The gap between the sealing surface and the glass surface of the extrusion die may vary between about 0.1 and 0.5 mm depending on the viscosity and related properties of the polymer used. In this mode, foam made of elastic material is compressed when the plate enters the jaw of the extrusion die to form a seal. For example, the foam can be angular to form a wedge-shaped recess through which the pane can enter from the wide end of the wedge. When the pane enters the recess completely, the pane compresses the foam to form a seal.

In the case of an extrusion die with a rigid die mouse, the extruded polymer strand can be removed by movement of the die when the die is removed from the glass plate at the end of the extrusion operation. However, the profile of the frame can change shape at this time without problems in accordance with known methods.

5 illustrates another form of embodiment of an extrusion head 40 with two fixed mouth jaws, each having an elastic layer 49. The pane 1 slides along the mouth 41 of the extrusion die 40. The upper face 22 and the lower face 21 of the pane 1 receive a fixed mouth jaw with an elastic layer 49 receiving the polymer frame 52 on the edge 23 and at least one major face of the pane. Slips through As mentioned above, a wedge shape can be provided on each sealing rung to facilitate insertion of the plate into the recess.

6 illustrates a preferred arrangement for securing the elastic material to the sealing rungs. The lining 35 includes an elastic material 70 and a low friction coating 71. This elastic material is attached to the backing member 72 with an adhesive suitable for the material used. This backing member is preferably made of engineering thermoplastics such as nylon, polycarbonate and the like, so that it can provide sufficient strength to bond the lining to the sealing rungs.

In the most preferred embodiment, the backing member 72 includes a rib member for engaging with the corresponding slot in the seal crossbar. This allows for an arrangement that can be easily installed or replaced when the low friction coating or elastic material is worn or damaged. In addition, the backing member can be reused and a new lining is placed thereon when next used. This arrangement may be used for both embodiments of the jaw or movable jaw with one or preferably two sealing crosses.

While the above-described embodiments represent a preferred form of the invention, the true scope is not limited except as indicated in the following claims, and includes all modifications that are obvious to or equivalent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

1 is a perspective view showing a form of an embodiment of an extrusion head for extruding a polymer frame having an L-shaped cross section.

2 is a perspective view showing a form of an embodiment of an extrusion head for extruding and positioning a U-shaped frame that supports the edges of the pane;

3 is a detailed view of an extrusion head according to the present invention.

4 is an illustration of a robot that may be used to move the edge of the windshield past the extrusion head.

5 is a perspective view of an extrusion head of another embodiment of the embodiment having a fixed mouth jaw.

6 is a perspective view showing an elastic member and a preferred setting for attaching the elastic member to a sealing ledge.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1: pane 25, 40: extrusion head

42, 43: sealing crossbar or shoe 52: polymer frame

Claims (34)

An extrusion apparatus for making a polymer frame of a predetermined shape on a plate having an upper and lower main surface and a peripheral edge, An extrusion die having a body defining a plate receiving recess for receiving an edge of the plate and a portion of the major surface adjacent thereto, A first sealing crosspiece movable between a retracted position, a first position allowing the plate edge into the recess, and a mating position, a second position in contact with one of the major faces of the plate, Means for moving the plate relative to the extrusion die, Wherein the open area is formed in the shape of a polymer frame between the die body and the sealing crossbar and the plate, wherein the means for movement of the plate through the recess to receive a polymer frame of a predetermined shape on one of the main surfaces of the plate and on the edge. Extrusion apparatus characterized by advancing the edge. 2. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for moving the first sealing crosspiece in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main surface of the plate between the retracting and engaging positions. 3. The moving means according to claim 2, wherein said moving means comprises spring means for biasing the first sealing crosspiece toward the engaged position and rod means for returning the first sealing crossbar to the retracted position. Extrusion apparatus. The portion of one major surface of the plate of claim 1, wherein the recess comprises a first surface spaced from the plate and a second surface opposite the second surface in contact with the first sealing crossbar in the engaged position. And an extrusion device provided at the edge. 5. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the portion of the first sealing crossbar and the recess in contact with the plate include a layer of elastic material to facilitate sliding in the plate. 2. A second sealing crossbar as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second sealing crosspiece movable between a retracted position, a first position, which allows the plate edge to enter the recess, and a joining position, a second position, in contact with the other major surface of the plate. Extrusion apparatus comprising a. 7. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one or two said sealing crosspieces comprise an arcuate surface which assists in the formation of an arcuate portion for the polymer frame. 7. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the recess comprises first and second surfaces spaced apart from the plate, such that a polymer frame is provided on a portion and an edge of each major surface of the plate. The extrusion apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support wheel that moves along the surface of the plate and compensates for shape tolerances of the plate. An apparatus for making a polymer frame of a predetermined shape in a plate having an upper and lower main surface and a peripheral edge, An extrusion die having an integral body defining a plate receiving recess for receiving an edge of the plate and a portion of the major surface adjacent thereto, The plate receiving recess includes first and second sealing bars for slidingly joining the major surfaces of the plate, the open area being defined between the die body, sealing bars and plate in the shape of a polymer frame, the sealing bars being Seals the recess and facilitates sliding between the die body and the main surface, And means for providing relative movement between the die and the plate such that the edge of the plate is advanced through a recess to receive a polymer frame of a predetermined shape at at least one of the major faces of the plate and at the edge. . 11. An extrusion device according to claim 10, wherein the portion of the sealing crosspiece in contact with the plate comprises a layer of elastic material to facilitate the sliding movement. 12. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said elastic material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic foam, elastic foam and thermoplastic coated elastic foam. 13. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for releasably securing a layer of elastic material to said sealing crossbar to facilitate exchange of said layer. 14. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said releasable fastening means comprises a backing member for elastic material, said backing member comprising a rib member for engaging with a corresponding slot in a sealing crossbar. 15. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the backing member is made of an engineering thermoplastic having sufficient rigidity to hold the rib member in the slot. 16. The extrusion device according to claim 15, wherein the elastic material is fixed to the backing member by an adhesive. 11. The polymer frame of claim 10, wherein the recess comprises a first surface spaced apart from the plate and a second surface in contact with the plate on a surface opposite the contact by the first sealing crossbar. An extrusion apparatus provided on the edge and a portion of one of the two. 11. The extrusion apparatus of claim 10, wherein the recess includes first and second surfaces spaced apart from the plate such that a polymer frame is provided on the edges and portions of each major face of the plate. 11. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 10, wherein one or two said sealing crosspieces comprise an arcuate surface which assists in the formation of an arcuate portion for the polymer frame. 11. The extrusion apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extrusion die comprises two channels for supplying polymer to the open area and means for independently adjusting the flow of polymer in each channel. 11. An extrusion apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising means for extruding polymer into the plate through the open area. An extrusion method for producing a polymer frame of a predetermined shape on a plate having an upper and lower main surface and a peripheral edge, Positioning the extrusion die adjacent to the plate edge; Receiving the plate edge into the recess of the extrusion die; Moving the first seal crossbar to be in contact with at least one of the major faces of the plate; Advancing the plate edge through a recess; Disposing a polymer on the plate edge and a portion of at least one of the adjacent major surfaces through the open region of the die while moving the plate edge through the recess to provide a polymer frame thereon; In the step of placing the extrusion die adjacent to the plate edge, the extrusion die includes a body defining a plate receiving recess for receiving the edge of the plate and a portion of the major surface adjacent thereto, allowing the plate edge to enter the recess. A first sealing crossbar movable between the first position, the retracted position and the engagement position, the second position in contact with one of the major faces of the plate, the open area being in the shape of a polymer flame between the plate and the sealing crossbar and the die body; Extrusion method, characterized in that formed. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the polymer is a moisture-hardening reaction polymer disposed on the peripheral edge of the plate as the plate advances through the recess. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first sealing rung moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the plate and is biased toward the engagement position, and after placing the polymer frame, returning the first sealing rung to the retracted position. Extrusion method characterized in that it further comprises. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the extrusion die has a second sealing crossbar movable between the retracted position, which is a first position that allows the plate edge to enter the recess, and the engagement position, which is a second position, in contact with the other major surface of the plate. And further comprising moving the second seal crossbar to contact the other major surface of the plate before the plate edge is advanced through the recess. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein each of the seal bars is biased toward the engagement position, and after placing the polymer frame, returning each seal bar to the retracted position. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the extrusion die includes two channels for supplying polymer to the open zones and independently regulates the flow of polymer within each channel to facilitate filling of the extrusion die to the open zones. An extrusion method comprising the step of further comprising. 23. The slide of claim 22 wherein the recess comprises a first surface spaced from the plate and a second surface in contact with the plate on a surface opposite the contact by the first sealing crossbar, the sliding of the plate through the recess. And providing a layer of resilient material on the second surface of the recess and the first sealing crossbar to facilitate movement. 27. The plate of claim 25, wherein the recess includes first and second surfaces spaced from the plate so that a polymer frame is provided on the edges and portions of each major surface of the plate, wherein the sliding movement of the plate through the recess is achieved. And providing a layer of elastic material on each sealing rung for ease. 27. The method of claim 25, further comprising providing an arcuate surface to assist in the formation of a polymer frame on one or two of said seal bars to form an arc on said polymer frame. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising compensating for shape tolerances of the plate as the die moves along the plate. 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the moisture cure reaction polymer comprises a thermoplastic polyolefin consisting of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene propylene diene rubber. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising selecting the elastic material from the group consisting of thermoplastic foam, elastic foam and thermoplastic coated elastic foam. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising selecting each said elastic material from the group consisting of a thermoplastic foam, an elastic foam and a thermoplastic coated elastic foam.